158 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



It is very important, when adjusting labels to trees, to be sure 

 that the wire is not twisted tight against the wood. Figure 186 

 shows the injury that is Hkely to result from 

 label wires. When a tree is constricted or 

 girdled, it is very liable to be broken off by 

 winds. It should be a rule to attach the label 

 to a limb of minor importance, so that if the 

 wire should injure the part, the loss will not be 

 serious. When the label. Fig. 182, is applied, 

 only the tips of the wire should be twisted 

 186 inur b ^ a ^og^ther, leaving a large loop for the expansion 



tight label wire. of the limb. 



The storing of fruits and vegetables. 



The principles involved in the storing of perishable products, 

 as fruits and vegetables, differ with the different commodities. 

 All the root-crops, and most 

 fruits, need to be kept in a 

 cool, moist, and uniform tem- 

 perature if they are to be pre- 

 served a great length of time. 

 Squashes, sweet-potatoes, and 

 some other things need to be 

 kept in an intermediate and 

 what might be called a high 

 temperature; and the atmosphere should be drier than for most 

 other products. The low temperature has the effect of arresting 

 decomposition and the work of fungi and bacteria. The moist 

 atmosphere has the effect of preventing too great evaporation 

 and the consequent shriveling. 



In the storing of any commodity, it is very important that 

 the product is in proper condition for keeping. Discard all 

 specimens that are bruised or are likely to decay. Much of 

 the decay of fruits and vegetables in storage is not the fault of 



187. The old-fashioned "outdoor 

 cellar, " still a very useful and con- 

 venient storage place. 



